Behind The News -
this week's scripts:
14 May, 1996
Introduction In a sweeping nationwide change, Australia will soon have some of the toughest gun laws in the world. Following the Port Arthur shooting, an emergency meeting of police ministers agreed to radical reforms.
Under the plan, automatic and semi-automatic guns will be banned. The government's offering to buy back such guns from their owners. It's likely taxpayers will be asked to help foot the bill.
SCRIPT:
Tony Rundle - Tasmanian Premier
"This is the last chance. If you can't get uniform gun laws and toughen them up at this conference it's doubtful you ever will."
With the Port Arthur massacre fresh in their minds the police ministers of all Australia's states and territories gathered in Canberra. Their task was to discuss John Howard's plans to rewrite Australia's gun laws. The Prime Minister urged all the ministers to think very carefully.
Eight hours later the ministers came out in support of the strict new laws.
John Howard - Prime Minister
"In reaching historic agreement on gun prohibition we made a mighty contribution to delivering a safer and more secure Australian society."
The move was welcomed in many areas. Doctors have been concerned about guns for some time.
Dr. Keith Woolard - Australian Medical Association
"We had no concept that within two weeks most of what we were hoping for could be achieved Australia wide."
Roland Browne - Coalition for Gun Control
"We are now on the first step along the road away from the American gun culture and that's something that every Australian should be thrilled about."
The new laws ban automatic and semi automatic weapons and introduce nationwide control of gun ownership. There will be some exceptions for people like farmers. They'll be able to use some of the banned weapons if they can prove they need the guns for their farms.
The federal government has said it will buy back the banned weapons from gun owners. But for gun supporters this isn't enough. They're angry about the changes and say they'll fight the new laws.
Ted Drane - Sporting Shooters' Association
"There are hundreds and hundreds of thousands of these firearms out there, and they've been there since 1904, and all of sudden they've become a danger to society. I'd like to know how? I'd like to know why?"
Gun groups are planning to meet next month to try and find a way to fight the governments.